Liquid Impervious Smart Card Reader

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments include a smart card reader system that includes a card reader cavity that is impervious to liquid. The card reader cavity includes a secure card reader (SCR) holder bonded to a printed circuit board (PCB), to provide a liquid barrier between the SCR holder and the PCB. The PCB includes an SCR spring contact connector. The card reader cavity can receive a smart card including an integrated circuit (IC), where the IC is coupled to the SCR spring contact connector. A processor coupled to the SCR spring contact connector, can receive an input regarding a transaction using data of the smart card, and execute the transaction. In some embodiments a roller system seals the card reader cavity when the smart card reader system is not in use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. NonprovisionalApplication No. 17/141,860, filed on Jan. 5, 2021, entitled, LiquidImpervious Smart Card Reader, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a card reader device, and inparticular, a portable liquid impervious smart card reader device.

Background Art

Portable card reader devices are used to execute financial transactions.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments include a system, method, apparatus, and/orcombination(s) or sub-combination(s) thereof, for a liquid impervioussmart card reader that can include a touchscreen device. Someembodiments include a liquid impervious smart card reader system thatincludes a card reader cavity. The card reader cavity can include asecure card reader (SCR) holder bonded to a printed circuit board (PCB),where the bond provides a liquid barrier between the SCR holder and thePCB. The bond can include: a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), athermoset adhesive, or an epoxy adhesive. The PCB can include an SCRspring contact connector and the card reader cavity is configured toreceive a smart card including an integrated circuit (IC), where the ICis positioned to be coupled to the SCR spring contact connector. Aprocessor coupled to the SCR spring contact connector can receive aninput regarding a transaction using data of the smart card, and based onthe input, execute the transaction.

The card reader cavity includes a liquid impervious seal that separatesthe card reader cavity from an interior of the smart card reader system.The liquid impervious seal can include an elastomer gasket. In someembodiments, the SCR holder is a singular molded structure made ofplastic including but not limited to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.The single molded structure can include a card reader cavity floor and acard reader cavity wall, where a material of the card reader cavityfloor includes a hydrophobic material, and where a material of the cardreader cavity wall includes a hydrophilic material. The interiorsurfaces of the card reader cavity can include a liquid-imperviousconformal coating.

In some embodiments the card reader cavity further includes a roller ina home position that seals an opening of the card reader cavity. A smartcard being inserted into the card reader cavity moves the roller fromthe home position according to a displacement vector based on aretraction angle, θ, where the retraction angle, θ comprises an anglebetween a direction of the displacement vector and a direction of aninsertion of the smart card.

In some embodiments a liquid impervious smart card reader systemincludes a card reader cavity with a roller in a home position thatseals an opening of the card reader cavity. The card reader cavity isconfigured to receive a smart card via the opening, where the smart cardbeing inserted into the card reader cavity moves the roller from thehome position according to a retraction direction based on a retractionangle, θ. The card reader cavity also includes a PCB that includes anSCR spring contact connector. The smart card includes an IC, and thesmart card can be positioned where the IC is coupled to the SCR springcontact connector. A processor coupled to the SCR spring contactconnector can receive input via electronic communications with the smartcard inserted, regarding a transaction using data of the smart cart.Based on the input, the processor can execute the transaction.

The roller can include a conformable material supported by a rod wherethe conformable material and the rod rotate as a single unit accordingto the conformable material making contact with the smart card. The rodcan include metal or plastic, and the conformable material can includerubber, foam, silicon, or an elastomer. The card reader cavity includesan opening adjacent to a side structure and bottom structure of thehousing structure of the liquid impervious smart card reader system,where the roller in the home position makes contact with both the sidestructure and the bottom structure to prevent a liquid from entering thecard reader cavity. In some embodiments the liquid impervious smart cardreader includes parallel guide plates with parallel guide slots, where amotion of the rod in the retraction direction is constrained by theparallel guide slots. Each end of the rod that protrudes through aparallel guide slot of the parallel guide slots includes a rod end capwhose diameter is larger than a width of a guide slot. When the parallelguide slots are straight, the retraction angle, θ, includes an anglebetween the retraction direction and a direction of the insertion of thesmart card.

A seal-force spring anchored to a housing structure of the smart cardreader system includes a spring lever arm that presses against the rodto apply a sealing force, F, in a direction opposite the retractiondirection. A horizontal component of the sealing force, F, equals F·cosθand a vertical component of the sealing force, F, equals F·sinθ, whereinθ is the retraction angle. Values of the retraction angle, θ, aregreater than or equal to 40° and less than or equal to 50°.

Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the present disclosure,as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments of thepresent disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form partof the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, togetherwith the description, further serve to explain the principles of thedisclosure and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to makeand use the disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example smart card used in a liquid impervioussmart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates an example system of a liquid impervious smart cardreader, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 1C illustrates another example system of a liquid impervious smartcard reader, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an example wireless system of aliquid impervious smart card reader, according to some embodiments ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-section view of an example system of aliquid impervious smart card reader, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates cross-section details of an example system of aliquid impervious smart card reader with a smart card inserted,according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3C illustrates an inverted cross-section view of an example systemof a liquid impervious smart card reader, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate views of a roller and rod of a liquid impervioussmart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 5A illustrates a rod in a home position of an example system of aliquid impervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5B illustrates a rod in a retracted position of an example systemof a liquid impervious smart card reader with a smart card inserted,according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5C illustrates another example system of a liquid impervious smartcard reader, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates a rod in a guide slot of an example system of aliquid impervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6B illustrates a rod in a guide slot of an example system of aliquid impervious smart card reader with a smart card inserted,according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7A illustrates guide plates of an example system of a liquidimpervious smart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 7B illustrates a rod and roller end view of an example system of aliquid impervious smart card reader, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a retraction angle of an example system of a liquidimpervious smart card reader with a smart card inserted, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9A illustrates a pivot plate in a home position of an examplesystem of a liquid impervious smart card reader with a sealed slot,according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9B illustrates a pivot plate in a retracted position of an examplesystem of a liquid impervious smart card reader with a smart cardinserted, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10A illustrates a sealing force of an example system of a liquidimpervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10B illustrates sealing force components of an example system of aliquid impervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11A illustrates displacement vector components of an example systemof a liquid impervious smart card reader with a smart card inserted,according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11B illustrates a roller rotation of an example system of a liquidimpervious smart card reader as a smart card is inserted, according toan exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12A illustrates a conceptual seal-force spring of an example systemof a liquid impervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12B illustrates a seal-force spring of an example system of aliquid impervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates a seal-force spring example system of a liquidimpervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14A illustrates a cross-section view of an example system of aliquid impervious smart card reader, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14B illustrates minimal insertion force in a cross-section view ofan example system of a liquid impervious smart card reader, according toan exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14C illustrates another cross-section view of an example system ofa liquid impervious smart card reader, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14D illustrates removing liquid in an example system of a liquidimpervious smart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 14E illustrates another example system of a liquid impervious smartcard reader, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15A illustrates components of an example system of a liquidimpervious smart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 15B illustrates an inverted view of assembled components of anexample system of a liquid impervious smart card reader, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example computer system for implementing someembodiments or portion(s) thereof;

FIG. 17A illustrates a cross-section view of an example system of asmart card reader;

FIG. 17B illustrates friction forces on a cross-section view of anexample system of a smart card reader; and

FIG. 17C illustrates another example system of a smart card reader.

The present disclosure will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings. In the drawings, generally, like referencenumbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.Additionally, generally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following Detailed Description of the present disclosure refers tothe accompanying drawings that illustrate exemplary embodimentsconsistent with this disclosure. The exemplary embodiments will fullyreveal the general nature of the disclosure that others can, by applyingknowledge of those skilled in relevant art(s), readily modify and/oradapt for various applications such exemplary embodiments, without undueexperimentation, without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intendedto be within the meaning and plurality of equivalents of the exemplaryembodiments based upon the teaching and guidance presented herein. It isto be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for thepurpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminologyor phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted bythose skilled in relevant art(s) in light of the teachings herein.Therefore, the detailed description is not meant to limit the presentdisclosure.

The embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to “oneembodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicatethat the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarilyinclude the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic isdescribed in connection with an embodiment, it is understood that it iswithin the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodimentswhether or not explicitly described.

FIG. 1A illustrates example 100 of card 105 used in a liquid impervioussmart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure. Card 105 can be a smart card that includes but is notlimited to a credit card or a debit card. Card 105 can be used forfinancial transactions. Card 105 includes contacts 110 thatcommunicatively couple with card reader contacts of a liquid impervioussmart card reader to enable a transaction (e.g., a financialtransaction.) Card 105′ illustrates an inversion of card 105. Card 105′illustrates chip 114 that can be an integrated circuit (IC) that isembedded in card 105′ (and card 105.) Contacts 110 are coupled to chip114. Card 105 may include a magnetic stripe. Chip 114 distinguishes card105 as being a smart card compared to other cards that only have amagnetic stripe.

FIG. 1B illustrates example system 130 of a liquid impervious smart cardreader, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. System130 includes housing structure 135, card reader cavity 140, and cardreader slot 145. Card 105 can be inserted through card reader slot 145into card reader cavity 140. Card 105 can be positioned so that contacts110 communicatively couple with card reader contacts within card readercavity 140 to enable electronic communications between system 130 andcard 105 to perform a transaction. System 130 also includes liquidcrystal display (LCD) 150 that presents transaction information to auser. System 130 can be a handheld device that can also includesmartphone functions including but not limited to a touchscreen, aspeaker, a microphone, a camera, and wireless communications managed viavarious controls (e.g., buttons, touchscreen selectable items.)

FIG. 1C illustrates example system 160 of a liquid impervious smart cardreader, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. System160 can be system 130 with a different card reader slot position. System160 also includes housing structure 135 and LCD 150. Card reader slot165 is similar to card reader slot 145 rotated 90 degrees. System 160also includes card reader cavity 170. Card 105 can be inserted throughcard reader slot 165 into card reader cavity 170, and positioned tocommunicatively couple with card reader contacts within card readercavity 170 to enable electronic communications between system 160 andcard 105 to perform a transaction. System 160 can be a handheld devicethat can also include smartphone functions including but not limited toa touchscreen, a speaker, a microphone, a camera, and wirelesscommunications managed via various controls (e.g., buttons, touchscreenselectable items.) In some embodiments, a card reader slot may beincluded on any side of system 130 or system 160.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an example wireless system 200 ofa liquid impervious smart card reader, according to some embodiments ofthe disclosure. As a convenience and not a limitation, system 200, maybe described with elements of other figures in the disclosure such FIGS.1A, 1B, and 1C. System 200 can represent for example, a liquidimpervious smart card reader as described in this disclosure, and atleast in systems 130, 160, 300, 330, 350, 500, 530, 560, 600, 630, 800,900, 930, 1000, 1030, 1100, 1130, 1200, 1230, 1300, 1400, 1450, 1470,1490, 1500, 1560 described herein. System 200 can be a computingelectronic device that enables transactions via electroniccommunications with card 105. System 200 can include functions of asmart phone, cellular phone, and may include functions of othercomputing devices including but not limited to laptops, desktops,tablets, personal assistants, routers, monitors, televisions, printers,and appliances. System 200 may include processor 210, transceiver 220,antenna 225, communication infrastructure 230, memory 235, and cardreader contacts 240 that together perform operations of a liquidimpervious smart card reader. For example, when card 105 is insertedinto system 130 of FIG. 1B (which is an example of system 200), contacts110 can be coupled to card reader contacts 240 of system 130 (e.g.,system 200.) Processor 210 communicatively coupled to card readercontacts 240 via communication infrastructure 230, enables electroniccommunications between system 130 and card 105 to perform a transaction.Transceiver 220 transmits and receives wireless communications signalsvia antenna 225. Communication infrastructure 230 may be a bus. Memory235 may include random access memory (RAM) and/or cache, and may includecontrol logic (e.g., computer software), computer instructions, and/ordata. Processor 210, upon execution of the computer instructions, can beconfigured to perform the functionality described herein for a liquidimpervious smart card reader. In some embodiments, processor 210 caninclude its own internal memory (not shown), and/or be “hard-wired” (asin a state-machine) configured to enable liquid impervious smart cardreader operations described herein. Antenna 225 coupled to transceiver220, may include one or more antennas that may be the same or differenttypes to enable wireless communication over a wireless network.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-section view in system 300 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe disclosure. As a convenience and not a limitation, FIGS. 3A, 3B, and3C may be described with elements of other figures in the disclosure.For example, system 300 can be a cross-section planar view of system130, where the top portion of system 130 has been removed to revealmechanical stops 310 within card reader cavity 140, and cavity floor305. Mechanical stops 310 determine how far a smart card (e.g., card105) can be inserted into card reader cavity 140.

FIG. 3B illustrates cross-section details in system 330 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader with a smart card inserted, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. System 330 can be, for example,system 300 with card 105 inserted through card reader slot 145 into cardreader cavity 140. Card 105 can be inserted to touch mechanical stops310 and contacts 110 of card 105 can be communicatively coupled to cardreader contacts 355 as shown in FIG. 3C. Once contacts 110 of card 105are communicatively coupled to card reader contacts 355, system 330enables electronic communications between system 330 and card 105 toperform a transaction.

FIG. 3C illustrates an inverted cross-section view in system 350 of aliquid impervious smart card reader, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure. System 350 can be, for example, aninverted cross-section planar view of system 130 where the bottomportion of system 130 has been removed to reveal mechanical stops 310and card reader contacts 355 located on cavity ceiling 360 of cardreader cavity 140 inverted. Throughout the disclosure, cavity ceilingrefers to the portion of a card reader cavity that makes contact with asmart card (e.g., cavity ceiling 360 of card reader cavity 140 includescard reader contacts 355.) For example, there is no requirement thatcavity ceiling 360 be gravity up.

FIG. 17C illustrates system 1770 of a smart card reader. System 1770provides a seal at the entrance to a card reader cavity that includescavity ceiling 1720 and cavity floor 1730. The seal includes upper wiperblade 1710 and lower wiper blade 1715 that minimize water entering thecard reader cavity.

FIG. 17A illustrates a cross-section view in system 1700 of a smart cardreader. System 1700 can be a cross-section view be taken from A ofsystem 1770 of FIG. 17C. System 1700 illustrates upper wiper blade 1710,lower wiper blade 1715, cavity ceiling 1720, cavity floor 1730, and cardreader slot frame 1705 a and 1705 b. When no card is inserted, upperwiper blade 1710 extending from an upper portion of card reader slotframe 1705 a meets lower wiper blade 1715 extending from a lower portionof card reader slot frame 1705 b. By covering the card slot entrance,upper and lower wiper blades 1710 and 1715 aim to prevent water fromentering the card reader cavity. A disadvantage of this approach is thatupper wiper blade 1710 and lower wiper blade 1715 do not necessarilyprovide a completely water tight seal and any water that does enter intothe card reader cavity tends to be trapped and unable to exit.

FIG. 17B illustrates friction forces on a cross-section view in system1740 of a smart card reader. When card 105 is inserted, both upper andlower wiper blades 1710 and 1715 bend, providing a gap through whichcard 105 enters the card reader cavity. A disadvantage of this approachis insertion force 1760 supplied by a user to insert card 105 to bendupper and lower wiper blades 1710 and 1715, and to overcome frictionforces 1750 and 1755 in the opposite direction created by the contact ofcard 105 with upper wiper blade 1710 and lower wiper blade 1715, toprevent water from entering the card reader cavity. Some embodimentsprovide a seal solution for a liquid impervious smart card reader withreduced insertion force as well as reduced friction forces compared tosystems 1700, 1740, and 1770. For example, some embodiments utilize aroller system to seal the slot entrance. Some embodiments include aliquid impervious smart card reader with a liquid impervious card readercavity.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate views of a roller and rod of a liquid impervioussmart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure. As a convenience and not a limitation, FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4Cmay be described with elements of other figures in the disclosure. Forexample, view 400 illustrates an isometric view of roller 405 supportedby rod 410, where roller 405 (and rod 410) may be included in systems500, 530, and 560 of FIGS. 5A-5C. Rod 410 includes a stiff material andcan include but is not limited to a metal or a plastic. Roller 405 caninclude a conformable material including but not limited to rubber,foam, silicon, or an elastomer. View 430 includes a side view of roller405 and rod 410, and view 450 shows an end view in which an end of rod410 is concentric to roller 405.

FIG. 5C illustrates system 560 of a liquid impervious smart card reader,according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As a convenienceand not a limitation, FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C may be described withelements of other figures in the disclosure. For example, system 560 canbe a 3-dimensional view of system 300. Some dimensions may beexaggerated for illustration purposes. System 560 can include housingstructure 135 and a card reader cavity that includes cavity ceiling 360that includes card reader contacts 355 (not shown), cavity floor 305,bottom structure 520, and side structure 510. In addition, system 560can include roller 405 that seals the entrance to the card reader cavitywhen a smart card is not inserted.

FIG. 5A illustrates rod 410 in a home position in system 500 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. System 500 can be across-section view of system 560 taken at B. When a card is notinserted, roller 405 seals card reader slot 515 by making conformablecontact with side structure 510 at side seal portion 503 above cardreader slot 515 as well as with bottom structure 520 below card readerslot 515 at bottom seal portion 505. When rod 410 is in this position,which may be referred to as the “home” position, the roller 405 sealscard reader slot 515, and prevents liquid exterior to housing structure135 from entering card reader cavity 140. When card 105 is inserted, rod410 (and hence roller 405) moves in retraction direction 525 indicatedby the dotted arrow. A seal to card reader slot 515 is not providedwhile card 105 (or any card) is inserted into card reader slot 515. FIG.5B illustrates rod 410 in a retracted position in system 530 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader with a smart card (e.g., card 105)inserted, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. System530 can be system 500 with card 105 inserted. System 530 illustrates themotion of rod 410 from rod home location 535 to a retracted positionwhen card 105 is inserted into card reader slot 515 in card insertiondirection 540. The motion is represented as displacement vector 545.

FIG. 6A illustrates rod 410 in guide slot 620 a in system 600 of aliquid impervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As a convenience and not alimitation, FIGS. 6A and 6B may be described with elements of otherfigures in the disclosure. For example, system 600 can by system 500 ofFIG. 5A with guide plate 610 a. System 600 includes parallel guideplates 610 a and 610 b and corresponding guide slots 620 a and 620 b ateach end of rod 410, although only guide plate 610 a and guide slot 620a are shown in this view. In system 600, rod 410 is in rod home location535. When a card is inserted into card reader slot 515, rod 410 (androller 405) move in retraction direction 525 constrained by guide slot620 a. FIG. 6B illustrates rod 410 in guide slot 620 a in system 630 ofa liquid impervious smart card reader with a smart card (e.g., card 105)inserted, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Forexample, system 630 can be system 600 where card 105 is inserted intocard reader slot 515 and rod 410 moves from rod home location 535 inretraction direction 525 according to guide slot 620 a.

FIG. 7A illustrates guide plates 610 a and 610 b in system 700 of aliquid impervious smart card reader, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure. As a convenience and not a limitation,FIGS. 7A and 7B may be described with elements of other figures in thedisclosure. For example, system 700 can be another view of system 600 ofFIG. 6A. System 700 includes rod 410 and roller 405 positioned inrespective guide slots 620 a and 620 b (not shown), where the ends ofrod 410 extend beyond guide plates 610 a and 610 b. Rod end caps 710 aand 710 b are affixed to corresponding ends of rod 410 that protrudebeyond respective guide plates 610 a and 610 b. Rod end caps 710 a and710 b keep roller 405 and rod 410 between (e.g., centered between) guideplates 610 a and 610 b. For illustration purposes the spacings may beexaggerated and are not limiting. FIG. 7B illustrates rod 410 and roller405 end view 730 of a liquid impervious smart card reader, according toan exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. View 730 can be similar toview 450 of FIG. 4C, but with the inclusion of rod end cap 710 whosediameter is larger than that of rod 410 and larger than a width of acorresponding guide slot 620 a or 620 b.

FIG. 8 illustrates retraction angle, θ, 810 in system 800 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader with a smart card inserted, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As a convenience and not alimitation, FIG. 8 may be described with elements of other figures inthe disclosure. For example, system 800 can be system 630 of FIG. 6Bwith an illustration of retraction angle, θ, 810, that is the anglebetween retraction direction 525 and card insertion direction 540. Asdescribed below, the angle θ is chosen not to be close to 0° or 90°.

In some embodiments a guide slot can be curved rather than straight. Inthis example, the retraction direction may be defined by the tangent atthe home position of the guide slot constrained motion.

FIG. 9A illustrates pivot plate 910 in a home position in system 900 ofa liquid impervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according toan exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As a convenience and not alimitation, FIGS. 9A and 9B may be described with elements from otherfigures in the disclosure. For example, system 900 can be system 300 ofFIG. 3A with a pivot mechanism rather than with guide plates and guideslots. For example, system 900, can include a pivot mechanism thatincludes pivot plate 910 that is coupled to side structure 510 at pivotpoint 915. Rod 410 can be affixed to pivot plate 910 at pivot plate hole920. When rod 410 is in the home position, roller 405 seals card readerslot 515 by making contact with side structure 510 and bottom structure520. A curved or arced retraction path 925 may also be achieved with thepivot mechanism rather than guide slots 620 a and 620 b and guide plates610 a and 610 b. While pivot plate 910 is shown, there can be anotherpivot plate in parallel (not shown) where the ends of rod 410 arecaptured in pivot plate hole 920 (and another pivot plate hole in theparallel pivot plate not shown.) FIG. 9B illustrates pivot plate 910 ina retracted position in system 930 of a liquid impervious smart cardreader with a smart card inserted, according to an exemplary embodimentof the disclosure. System 930 can be system 900 with card 105 beinginserted into card reader slot 515. System 930 illustrates displacementvector 940 indicating the motion of rod 410 away from rod home location935 to a retracted position.

FIG. 10A illustrates sealing force, F, 1010 in system 1000 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As a convenience and not alimitation, FIGS. 10A and 10B may be described with elements of otherfigures in the disclosure. For example, system 1000 can be system 600 ofFIG. 6A. System 1000 illustrates sealing force, F, 1010 applied to rod410 to compress roller 405 against side structure 510 and bottomstructure 520 so as to provide a liquid-tight seal to prevent liquidfrom entering card reader cavity 140. The component of sealing force, F,1010 parallel to guide slot 620 a contributes to roller 405 sealcompression. Other forces perpendicular to guide slot 620 a result inforces between rod 410 and guide plate 610 a, but do not contribute tomotion of rod 410 (and roller 405.) Accordingly, sealing force, F, 1010contributing to the liquid-tight seal of card reader slot is parallel tothe guide slot 620 a in direction (e.g., at a downward angle, θ, withrespect to card insertion direction 540, where θ is the retractionangle.)

FIG. 10B illustrates sealing force components in system 1030 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. System 1030 can be system 1000without guide plate 610 a shown. A magnitude of sealing force, F, 1010includes horizontal component of sealing force 1035 that contributes tothe liquid-tight seal between roller 405 and side structure 510.Horizontal component of sealing force 1035 is equal to F·cosθ. Verticalcomponent of sealing force 1040 contributing to the liquid-tight sealbetween roller 405 and bottom structure 520 is equal to F·sinθ. Asretraction angle, θ, 810 approaches 0°, vertical component of sealingforce 1040 (e.g., F·sinθ) approaches zero and a poor seal is providedbetween roller 405 and bottom structure 520. As retraction angle, θ, 810approaches 90°, horizontal component of sealing force F·cosθ approacheszero and a poor seal is provided between roller 405 and side structure510. A more desirable retraction angle, θ, 810 is 45° which balances thehorizontal and vertical components of seal force, 1035 and 1040, withthe value of F·sin(45°)=F·cos(45°)=0.707·F. By approximately balancingthe horizontal and downward force components, a liquid-tight seal isprovided between roller 405 and both side structure 510 and bottomstructure 520.

FIG. 11A illustrates displacement vector components in system 1100 of aliquid impervious smart card reader with a smart card inserted,according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As a convenienceand not a limitation, FIGS. 11A and 11B may be described with elementsfrom other figures in the disclosure. For example, system 1100 may besystem 530 of FIG. 5B, showing horizontal displacement 1110 componentand vertical displacement 1120 component. In addition to the desire toapproximately equalize the two sealing force components (e.g.,horizontal component of sealing force 1035 and vertical component ofsealing force 1040), the overall mechanical compactness of theindustrial design of the handheld liquid impervious smart card readerdevice is another consideration. In a retracted position, roller 405 androd 410 move both vertically and horizontally. The thickness of card 105largely determines vertical displacement 1120. The correspondinghorizontal displacement 1110 is the cotangent of the retraction angle,θ, 810 times vertical displacement 1120. Depending on the mechanicaldesign constraints, it may be desirable to minimize horizontaldisplacement 1110. For example, in some embodiments, the optimalretraction angle, θ, 810 may be larger than 45°.

If the length of displacement vector 545 is notated by D, thenhorizontal displacement 1110 and vertical displacement 1120 componentsof displacement vector 545 are D·cosθ and D·sinθ, respectively. Forapplications where making room for the horizontal component ofdisplacement is less desirable, a retraction angle larger than 45° maybe implemented to reduce the value of horizontal displacement 1110component, D·cosθ. If, however, making room for horizontal displacement1110 component is not a problem, a retraction angle smaller than 45° maybe implemented. Depending on the application, the retraction angle, θ,810 may be in the range 20 °≤θ≤80°, or more preferably 30°≤θ≤60°, oreven more preferably 40°≤θ≤50°.

FIG. 11B illustrates roller rotation in system 1130 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader as a smart card is inserted, according toan exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. System 1130 may be system1100 illustrating a rotation of roller 405. To minimize card insertionforce (e.g., compared to system 1740 of FIG. 17B), roller 405 movesaccording to roller rotation direction 1140 as card 105 is beinginserted in card insertion direction 540. When card 105 is removed,roller 405 rotates in the opposite direction. While roller 405 couldrotate about rod 410, in some embodiments, roller 405 and rod 410operate as a single unit, according to the conformable material makingcontact with card 105. Having roller 405 and rod 410 rotate as a singleunit can be more cost effective than having roller 405 and rod 410rotate as separate units. If rod 410 and roller 405 are a single unitand rod 410 also rotates, it is desirable to avoid undue resistance torotation due to friction between rod 410 and the guide slots 620 a and620 b. In some embodiments, either a surface of rod 410, or a surface ofguide slots 620 a or 620 b, or both may be treated to reduce friction.For example, a sleeve of a fluorinated polymer (such as Teflon™) may beadded to rod 410 at points of contact with corresponding guide slots 620a and 620 b.

Note that a retraction angle, θ, 810 of approximately 45° assures thatas card 105 is inserted roller 405 promptly loses contact with both sidestructure 510 and bottom structure 520, so that friction against thesesurfaces do not impede rotation. This is in contrast to system 1740 ofFIG. 17B, for example. This reinforces the choice of retraction angleranges discussed above.

FIG. 12A illustrates a conceptual seal-force spring in system 1200 of aliquid impervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As a convenience and not alimitation, FIGS. 12A and 12B may be described with elements from otherfigures in the disclosure. For example, system 1200 can be system 1000of FIG. 10A utilizing a conceptual seal-force spring to apply sealingforce, F, 1010 to rod 410 and roller 405 assembly. System 1200 includesspring under compression 1210 and brick wall 1220. Spring undercompression 1210 pushes against rod 410 resulting in desired sealingforce, F, 1010 being applied between roller 405 and side structure 510and bottom structure 520 at side seal portion 503 and bottom sealportion 505, respectively. The other end of spring under compression1210 must have something to push against, which, is illustrated here asbrick wall 1220. The magnitude of sealing force, F, 1010 should besufficiently large to provide a liquid-tight seal at side seal portion503 and bottom seal portion 505, yet at the same time, avoid anunnecessary increase in the card insertion force. For example, sealingforce, F, 1010 should not be unnecessarily large.

FIG. 12B illustrates a seal-force spring in system 1230 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. System 1230 can be system 1000of FIG. 10A utilizing a seal-force spring. System 1230 includes springlever arm 1240, spring coil 1245, and spring anchor 1250. Spring coil1245 includes many coils and includes spring anchor 1250 coupled to thehousing structure 135 (e.g., bottom structure 520.) Spring lever arm1240 presses against rod 410.

FIG. 13 illustrates a seal-force spring in system 1300 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader with a sealed slot, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As a convenience and not alimitation, FIG. 13 may be described with elements from other figures inthe disclosure. For example, system 1300 can be a space-efficientimplementation of systems 1200 or 1230 of FIGS. 12A and 12B,respectively. For example, spring coil 1245 may include many coils, andhas spring anchor 1250 to housing structure 135. Spring lever arm inhome position 1310 presses against rod 410 applying sufficient sealingforce, F, 1010 to establish a liquid-tight seal for card reader slot515. Rod end cap 710 is shown although guide plates 610 a and 610 b aswell as guide slots 620 a and 620 b are not shown. Sealing force, F,1010 enables roller in home position 1330 to make contact with sidestructure 510 at side seal portion 503 and bottom structure 520 atbottom seal portion 505. When card 105 is inserted in card insertiondirection 540 as shown in system 1130 of FIG. 11B, roller 405 and movesto roller in retracted position 1340 corresponding with spring lever armin retracted position 1320.

FIG. 14E illustrates system 1490 of a liquid impervious smart cardreader, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As aconvenience and not a limitation, FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E maybe described with elements of other figures in the disclosure. Forexample, system 1490 can be system 300 of FIG. 3B. System 1490 mayinclude cavity floor 1420, card reader cavity wall 1455, and cavityceiling 1415 assembled together to create card reader cavity 1475 thatis sealed and impervious to liquid. Card reader cavity 1475 is sealedsuch that liquids cannot pass between card reader cavity 1475, andinternal portions of housing structure 135. System 1490 includes cardreader slot 1405. In some embodiments, system 1490 does not include aseal for card reader slot 1405, and insertion force is unnecessary. Thisis in contrast to system 1700 of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 14A illustrates a cross-section view in system 1400 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe disclosure. System 1400 can be a cross-section view of system 1490taken at C. System 1400 shows a portion of card reader cavity 1475 thatincludes portions of card reader slot frame 1410 a and 1410 b, cavityceiling 1415, and cavity floor 1420. Card 105 is not yet inserted intocard reader cavity 1475 via card reader slot 1405.

FIG. 14B illustrates minimal insertion force in a cross-section view insystem 1430 of a liquid impervious smart card reader, according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosure. System 1430 can be system 1400with card 105 inserted into card reader slot 1405. In system 1430, card105 is inserted into card reader cavity 1475 via card reader slot 1405with minimal and almost no insertion force 1440 which is in starkcontrast to system 1740 of FIG. 17B.

FIG. 14C illustrates a cross-section view in system 1450 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe disclosure. For example, system 1450 can be a cross-section planarview of system 1490 that illustrates housing structure 135, card readerslot 1405, mechanical stops 310, card reader cavity wall 1455, andcavity floor 1465. Cavity floor 1465 and/or cavity ceiling 1415 may be asurface of a printed circuit board (PCB) such as an FR4 PCB. Card readercavity wall 1455 may be bonded to cavity floor 1465 and cavity ceiling1415 by various means including a die-cut pressure sensitive adhesive.Other bonding options include but are not limited to thermoset adhesivesor an epoxy adhesive. In some embodiments, a water-impervious conformalcoating may be applied to interior surfaces of card reader cavity 1475to further assure a liquid-tight seal. Any liquid that makes it intocard reader cavity 1475 cannot further enter into the interior ofhousing structure 135. In some embodiments, cavity floor 1465 and/orcavity ceiling 1415 can be made with and/or coated with a hydrophobicmaterial. Card reader cavity wall 1455 may be made with and/or coatedwith a hydrophilic material. Thus, any liquid that enters card readercavity 1475 will be drawn to the perimeter of card reader cavity 1475and repelled from cavity ceiling 1415 where card reader contacts (e.g.,card reader contacts 355 of FIG. 3C) are located as well as cavity floor1465.

FIG. 14D illustrates removing liquid in system 1470 of a liquidimpervious smart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe disclosure. In some embodiments, system 1470 can be system 1490where no impediments are included for card reader slot 1405.Accordingly, liquid 1480 that enters card reader cavity 1475 can bedrained via card reader slot 1405 by tilting system 1470 in anappropriate direction.

FIG. 15A illustrates components in system 1500 of a liquid impervioussmart card reader, according to an exemplary embodiment of thedisclosure. As a convenience and not a limitation, FIGS. 15A and 15B maybe described with elements of other figures in the disclosure. Forexample, system 1500 can be system 1490 of FIG. 14E in which ceilingfloor 1465 and card reader cavity wall 1455 are formed as a singlestructure, secure card reader (SCR) holder 1550, that can be liquidimpervious. System 1500 includes SCR holder 1550, cavity ceiling 1515,card reader contacts 1520, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) 1530, cardreader slot frame 1410, and elastomer gasket 1525. SCR holder 1550 canbe molded as a single structure and can be made of plastic including butnot limited to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS.) Cavity ceiling1515 may be a PCB such as FR4 PCB and may include card reader contacts1520 that includes SCR spring contact connectors that cancommunicatively couple with contacts 110 of card 105. Cavity ceiling1515 can be sealed to SCR holder 1550 by PSA 1530 that can include butis not limited to a die-cut pressure sensitive adhesive, a thermosetadhesive, and/or an epoxy adhesive. Card reader slot frame 1410 createscard reader slot 1540 through which card 105 may be inserted. Elastomergasket 1525 provides sealing functions between SCR holder 1550 and aninner wall of system 1490. Thus, if any liquids enter the card readercavity formed by the assembly of cavity ceiling 1515, SCR holder 1550,and PSA 1530, elastomer gasket 1525 prevents that liquid from enteringremaining interior portions of housing structure 135. In someembodiments, portions of SCR holder 1550 and/or cavity ceiling 1415 canbe made with and/or coated with a hydrophobic material. Portions of SCRholder 1550 equivalent to card reader cavity wall 1455 may be made withand/or coated with a hydrophilic material. Thus, any liquid that enterscard reader cavity formed by the assembly of components in system 1500will be drawn to the perimeter of the card reader cavity and repelledfrom cavity ceiling 1515 where card reader contacts 1520 are located aswell as portions of SCR holder 1550 equivalent to cavity floor 1465. Insome embodiments, a water-impervious conformal coating may be applied tointerior surfaces of a card reader cavity formed by the assembly ofcavity ceiling 1515, SCR holder 1550, and PSA 1530, and elastomer gasket1525, to further assure a liquid-tight seal.

FIG. 15B illustrates an inverted view of assembled components in system1560 of a liquid impervious smart card reader, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure. System 1560 includes inverted views of thefollowing components of system 1500: SCR holder 1550, cavity ceiling1515 (that includes card reader contacts 1520). System 1560 alsoincludes views of card reader slot frame 1410 and elastomer gasket 1525.

In some examples a liquid impervious smart card reader may include SCRholder 1550 of system 1500 and rod 410 (and roller 405) of system 560and other examples as described above. Accordingly, some embodimentsinclude system 1500 in combination with system 560. In some examples, aliquid impervious smart card reader may include card reader cavity 1475that includes cavity floor 1420, card reader cavity wall 1455, andcavity ceiling 1415 assembled together to create card reader cavity 1475that is sealed and impervious to liquid as described in system 1490 aswell as rod 410 and roller 405 of system 560 and other examples asdescribed above. Accordingly, some embodiments include system 1490 incombination with system 1500.

Various embodiments can be implemented, for example, using one or morewell-known computer systems, such as computer system 1600 shown in FIG.16. Computer system 1600 can be any well-known computer capable ofperforming the functions described herein for a liquid impervious smartcard reader as described above and at least in systems 130, 160, 300,330, 350, 500, 530, 560, 600, 630, 800, 900, 930, 1000, 1030, 1100,1130, 1200, 1230, 1300, 1400, 1450, 1470, 1490, 1500, 1560 describedabove.

Computer system 1600 includes one or more processors (also calledcentral processing units, or CPUs), such as a processor 1604. Processor1604 is connected to communication infrastructure 1606 (e.g., a bus).One or more processors 1604 may each be a graphics processing unit(GPU). In an embodiment, a GPU is a processor that is a specializedelectronic circuit designed to process mathematically intensiveapplications. The GPU may have a parallel structure that is efficientfor parallel processing of large blocks of data, such as mathematicallyintensive data common to computer graphics applications, images, videos,etc. Computer system 1600 also includes user input/output device(s) suchas monitors, keyboards, pointing devices, etc., that communicate withcommunication infrastructure 1606 through user input/output interface(s)1602.

Computer system 1600 also includes a main or primary memory 1608, suchas random access memory (RAM). Main memory 1608 may include one or morelevels of cache. Main memory 1608 has stored therein control logic(i.e., computer software) and/or data. Computer system 1600 may alsoinclude one or more secondary storage devices or memory 1610. Secondarymemory 1610 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 1612 and/or aremovable storage device or drive 1614. Removable storage drive 1614 maybe a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk drive, anoptical storage device, tape backup device, and/or any other storagedevice/drive.

Removable storage drive 1614 may interact with a removable storage unit1618. Removable storage unit 1618 includes a computer usable or readablestorage device having stored thereon computer software (control logic)and/or data. Removable storage unit 1618 may be a floppy disk, magnetictape, compact disk, DVD, optical storage disk, and/any other computerdata storage device. Removable storage drive 1614 reads from and/orwrites to removable storage unit 1618 in a well-known manner.

According to an exemplary embodiment, secondary memory 1610 may includeother means, instrumentalities or other approaches for allowing computerprograms and/or other instructions and/or data to be accessed bycomputer system 1600. Such means, instrumentalities or other approachesmay include, for example, a removable storage unit 1622 and an interface1620. Examples of the removable storage unit 1622 and the interface 1620may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as thatfound in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROMor PROM) and associated socket, a memory stick and USB port, a memorycard and associated memory card slot, and/or any other removable storageunit and associated interface.

Computer system 1600 may further include a communication or networkinterface 1624. Communication interface 1624 enables computer system1600 to communicate and interact with any combination of remote devices,remote networks, remote entities, etc., (individually and collectivelyreferenced by reference number 1628). For example, communicationinterface 1624 may allow computer system 1600 to communicate with remotedevices 1628 over communications path 1626, which may be wired, and/orwireless, and which may include any combination of LANs, WANs, theInternet, etc. Control logic and/or data may be transmitted to and fromcomputer system 1600 via communication path 1626.

In an embodiment, a tangible, non-transitory apparatus or article ofmanufacture comprising a tangible, non-transitory computer useable orreadable medium having control logic (software) stored thereon is alsoreferred to herein as a computer program product or program storagedevice. This includes, but is not limited to, computer system 1600, mainmemory 1608, secondary memory 1610, and removable storage units 1618 and1622, as well as tangible articles of manufacture embodying anycombination of the foregoing. Such control logic, when executed by oneor more data processing devices (such as computer system 1600), causessuch data processing devices to operate as described herein.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure.However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specificdetails are not required in order to practice the disclosure. Thus, theforegoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the disclosure arepresented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the preciseforms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen anddescribed in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure andits practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in theart to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the following claims and their equivalents define thescope of the disclosure.

Based on the teachings contained in this disclosure, it will be apparentto persons skilled in the relevant art(s) how to make and useembodiments of the disclosure using data processing devices, computersystems and/or computer architectures other than that shown in FIG. 16.In particular, embodiments may operate with software, hardware, and/oroperating system implementations other than those described herein.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and notthe Abstract section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims.The Abstract section may set forth one or more, but not all exemplaryembodiments, of the disclosure, and thus, are not intended to limit thedisclosure and the appended claims in any way.

The disclosure has been described above with the aid of functionalbuilding blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functionsand relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional buildingblocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of thedescription. Alternate boundaries may be defined so long as thespecified functions and relationships thereof are appropriatelyperformed.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) that variouschanges in form and detail can be made therein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus the disclosure should notbe limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. Further,the claims should be defined only in accordance with their recitationsand their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A smart card reader system comprising: a cardreader cavity, comprising: a roller in a home position that seals thecard reader cavity, wherein the card reader cavity is configured toreceive a smart card, wherein the smart card being inserted into thecard reader cavity moves the roller from the home position according toa retraction direction based on a retraction angle, θ; a secure cardreader (SCR) holder bonded to a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein theSCR holder comprises a single molded structure comprising a card readercavity floor and a card reader cavity wall, wherein a first material ofthe card reader cavity floor comprises a hydrophobic material, andwherein a second material of the card reader cavity wall comprises ahydrophilic material; wherein the PCB comprises an SCR spring contactconnector; wherein the smart card comprises an integrated circuit (IC),the smart card is positioned where the IC is coupled to the SCR springcontact connector; and a processor coupled to the SCR spring contactconnector, wherein the processor is configured to: receive an inputregarding a transaction using data of the smart card; and based on theinput, execute the transaction.
 2. The smart card reader system of claim1, wherein the roller comprises a conformable material supported by arod, wherein the conformable material and the rod rotate as a singleunit according to the conformable material making contact with the smartcard.
 3. The smart card reader system of claim 2, wherein the rodcomprises a metal or a plastic, and wherein the conformable materialcomprises rubber, foam, silicon, or an elastomer.
 4. The smart cardreader system of claim 1, wherein the card reader cavity comprises aside structure and bottom structure, wherein the roller in the homeposition makes contact with both the side structure and the bottomstructure to prevent a liquid from entering the card reader cavity. 5.The smart card reader system of claim 1, further comprising: parallelguide plates with parallel guide slots, wherein a motion of the rod inthe retraction direction is constrained by the parallel guide slots. 6.The smart card reader system of claim 5, wherein each end of the rodprotrudes through a parallel guide slot of the parallel guide slots, andwherein each end of the rod includes a rod end cap whose diameter islarger than a width of a guide slot.
 7. The smart card reader system ofclaim 5, wherein the parallel guide slots are straight, the retractionangle, θ comprises an angle between the retraction direction and adirection of an insertion of the smart card.
 8. The smart card readersystem of claim 5, further comprising: a seal-force spring anchored to ahousing structure of the smart card reader system, wherein a springlever arm of the seal-force spring presses against the rod to apply asealing force, F, in a direction opposite the retraction direction. 9.The smart card reader system of claim 8, wherein a horizontal componentof the sealing force, F, equals F·cosθ and a vertical component of thesealing force, F, equals F·sinθ, wherein θ is the retraction angle. 10.The smart card reader system of claim 1, wherein values of theretraction angle, θ, are greater than or equal to 40° and less than orequal to 50°.
 11. A smart card reader system comprising: a card readercavity, comprising: a secure card reader (SCR) holder bonded to aprinted circuit board (PCB), wherein a bond provides a liquid barrierbetween the SCR holder and the PCB, wherein the SCR holder comprises asingle molded structure comprising a card reader cavity floor and a cardreader cavity wall, wherein a first material of the card reader cavityfloor comprises a hydrophobic material, and wherein a second material ofthe card reader cavity wall comprises a hydrophilic material, whereinthe PCB comprises an SCR spring contact connector, wherein the cardreader cavity is configured to receive a smart card coupled to the SCRspring contact connector; and a processor coupled to the SCR springcontact connector, wherein the processor is configured to: receive aninput regarding a transaction using data of the smart card; and based onthe input, execute the transaction.
 12. The smart card reader system ofclaim 11, wherein the card reader cavity comprises a liquid imperviousseal that separates the card reader cavity from an interior of the smartcard reader system.
 13. The smart card reader system of claim 12,wherein the liquid impervious seal comprises an elastomer gasket. 14.The smart card reader system of claim 11, wherein the single moldedstructure comprises a plastic.
 15. The smart card reader system of claim14, wherein the plastic comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. 16.The smart card reader system of claim 11, wherein interior surfaces ofthe card reader cavity comprise a liquid-impervious conformal coating.17. The smart card reader system of claim 11, wherein the card readercavity further comprises: a roller in a home position that seals anopening of the card reader cavity, wherein the smart card being insertedinto the card reader cavity moves the roller from the home positionaccording to a displacement vector based on a retraction angle, θ0,wherein the retraction angle, θ comprises an angle between a directionof the displacement vector and a direction of an insertion of the smartcard.
 18. The smart card reader system of claim 17, wherein the rollercomprises a conformable material supported by a rod, wherein theconformable material and the rod rotate as a single unit according tothe conformable material making contact with the smart card.
 19. Thesmart card reader system of claim 18, wherein the rod comprises a metalor a plastic, and wherein the conformable material comprises rubber,foam, silicon, or an elastomer.
 20. The smart card reader system ofclaim 17, wherein values of the retraction angle, θ, are greater than orequal to 40° and less than or equal to 50°.